Trump Expresses Surprise Over Australia's Decision on Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump stated he was "very surprised" that Australia has not deployed warships to assist in reopening the strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil supply currently affected by a blockade impacting fuel prices.
Speaking in Washington on Friday, Trump was asked about his concerns regarding Japan, South Korea, and Australia. He responded:
"I was very surprised. Well, they should get involved, and I was a little bit surprised that they said no, because we always say yes to them."
Trump did not specify what Australia had declined to do when questioned further.
Earlier Statements on Military Assistance
Earlier in the week, Trump had indicated that the United States did not require assistance from Australia, Japan, or South Korea in military operations related to the Middle East conflict. In a Truth Social post, he wrote:
"The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran, in the Middle East. We no longer ‘need’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance – WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea."
On Friday, Trump also criticized NATO for not wanting to "help open" the strait of Hormuz.
Australian Government Responds
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the issue on Saturday, stating that Australia has provided the support requested and has not received a direct request from President Trump:
"The truth is that we have said yes to the request of the UAE for the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft. That’s operating there with personnel operating as well. In addition to that, we’ve sent [air-to-air missiles] … So, we continue to provide the support that we have been asked to provide. [The president] hasn’t asked, so I’m not going to go through hypotheticals. We have done what we have asked been asked to do."
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles also responded to Trump’s remarks during a press briefing in Sydney on Saturday:
"The last thing you’ll get from me is a running commentary on what the president has said. A number of countries, including the United States, requested our assistance in terms of defending the states of the Gulf. They are making an enormous contribution to the defense of the Gulf states that is very much in the interests of Australia, given that the UAE specifically hosts one of our largest expat communities in the world."
Marles praised the Royal Australian Air Force personnel operating the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft deployed to the Gulf, highlighting their "utmost bravery" alongside more than 100 Australians serving in the region.
Diplomatic Discussions on Iran and Energy Security
On Friday, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed Iran’s targeted attacks on merchant vessels near the strait of Hormuz and the resulting global energy disruptions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Following the call, Wong stated:
"We agreed that the international community must keep working together to ensure critical waterways are not held hostage by the Iranian regime. Australia does not want to see the conflict continue to escalate."
The strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane between Oman and Iran, has been closed since shortly after the recent Middle Eastern conflict began three weeks ago, causing significant disturbances in fuel markets worldwide.
Impact on Global Energy and Australian Fuel Prices
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has described the conflict, triggered by US-Israel strikes on Iran in February, as the "greatest threat to global energy supply in the history of the world."
In Australia, consumers are experiencing the effects with rising petrol prices. A regional New South Wales fuel retailer recently charged $3.39 per litre for both unleaded petrol and diesel, while in Sydney, diesel prices have reportedly exceeded $3 per litre.
Government Measures to Address Fuel Supply
On Saturday, Treasurer Jim Chalmers commended the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) urgent interim authorisation on fuel supply. This authorisation permits companies to discuss, exchange information about, and coordinate fuel supply across Australia to ensure fuel availability where most needed.
The ACCC clarified that the authorisation does not allow fuel suppliers to share pricing information.
"It’s really important that the big players in the fuel markets don’t treat this as a chance to disadvantage the independents who play a vital role including in regional Australia," Chalmers said. He added, "anyone breaking the rules must have the book thrown at them."
Private Sector Responses to Rising Fuel Costs
In response to escalating fuel costs, DoorDash announced a temporary fuel relief program on Saturday, acknowledging the "significant challenge" rising fuel prices pose for its drivers. The program offers cash relief to drivers who complete 100 km or more in deliveries per week, with these costs not passed on to customers.
On Friday, rideshare company Uber announced a price increase aimed at balancing driver earnings and maintaining affordable options for riders. Uber stated the adjustment would raise driver earnings by an average of 6% across Australia:
"We know operating costs, including fuel, remain front of mind for many driver partners, making continued support more important than ever," the company said.
Competitor DiDi also raised prices, with customers across Australia paying an additional 5 cents per kilometre.
IEA Recommendations Amid Energy Crisis
In a report released on Friday, the IEA emphasized that resuming transit through the strait of Hormuz is the "single most important action to return to stable oil and gas flows." The agency urged governments, businesses, and households to mitigate the impact of oil shocks by avoiding unnecessary air travel, working from home, and reducing road speed limits.
